Keyword: PALB2

Study : Promising early results for treating metastatic prostate cancer

Most relevant for: People with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)

The TALAPRO studies looked at how well the oral drug Talzenna (talazoparib) works as a treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The addition of Talzenna to treatment with Xtandi (enzalutamide) increased the time until the cancer got worse or came back (progression-free survival). The greatest benefit was seen in people who had an inherited or tumor mutation in a gene that repairs DNA damage (such as ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2 and others). (Posted 3/1/23)

Update: On June 20, 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the combination of Talzenna with Xtandi as an initial treatment for some people with mCRPC for people with inherited or tumor mutations in genes that repair DNA damage. 

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Study : Frequent aspirin use may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer

Most relevant for: Healthy people at high-risk of ovarian cancer.

Aspirin may help lower the risk of ovarian cancer in people who have a high risk of the disease, according to a new analysis of 17 studies. While other preventive strategies have been found to more effectively lower the likelihood of developing ovarian cancer in high-risk women, taking aspirin daily or almost daily may reduce a person’s risk of developing ovarian cancer by 13 percent. The benefit was greater among people with additional risk factors for the disease. (Posted 2/22/23)

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Update : Breast cancer vaccine trial begins enrolling people with BRCA1 and PALB2 mutations

Most relevant for: People with a BRCA1 or PALB2 mutation undergoing prophylactic bilateral mastectomy

A new vaccine was first tested on people diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. The vaccine is now being tested to prevent breast cancer among people with an inherited mutation in BRCA1 or PALB2 who are at high risk and who are planning to have a risk-reducing mastectomy. (Posted 1/9/23) Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study : PARP inhibitor treatment for metastatic prostate cancer shows most benefit in men with inherited BRCA mutations

Most relevant for: People with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer who have an inherited or tumor mutation in BRCA2.

This study looked at the benefit of using the PARP inhibitor niraparib to treat metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Participants included those with an inherited or tumor mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 or an inherited or tumor mutation in another gene that affects DNA repair. Participants with an inherited or tumor mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 had better survival compared to those without a BRCA mutation. Side effects from niraparib were common, and consistent with previous reports for PARP inhibitors.  (posted 9/6/2022)

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Study : Screening for pancreatic cancer detects early-stage disease and improves survival

Most relevant for: People at increased risk for pancreatic cancer because of family history or an inherited mutation.

A research study has shown that screening for pancreatic cancer in people with an inherited mutation or family history was able to detect early-stage pancreatic cancers and improve survival. These results will likely change pancreatic cancer screening guidelines for high-risk individuals (Posted 8/30/22)

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Article : How your ovarian cancer diagnosis can help your relatives

Most relevant for: People diagnosed with ovarian cancer

This media article provides tips from experts and the CDC for talking to family members after a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. It highlights which family members may be at risk of developing ovarian cancer or passing on genes that increase risk. The article provides links to resources, talking points, alternative methods of communication and potential reactions. (Posted 7/28/22)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study : Mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 may increase risk for endometrial cancer

Most relevant for: People with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations

A Dutch study added further evidence that women with a BRCA1 mutation may have an elevated risk for endometrial cancer. The study found that the endometrial cancer in women with either a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation was more likely to be an aggressive form of cancer associated with a poor outcomes. (posted 11/30/21)

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Study : Genetic testing for inherited mutations may be helpful for all people with advanced or metastatic cancer

Most relevant for: people with metastatic or recurrent cancer

In a study of nearly 12,000 cancer patients with a variety of cancers, eight percent of participants with metastatic cancer had an inherited mutation in a cancer gene that qualified them for a targeted treatment approved by the FDA or for participation in a clinical trial. The majority of people with metastatic cancer were unaware that they had an inherited mutation, and had not receive gene-directed treatment to which their tumor may have responded. The study authors suggest that genetic testing for inherited mutations may be warranted for all patients with advanced or metastatic cancer. (posted 9/30/21)

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Study : Frequency of inherited mutations linked to breast cancer are similar in Black and white women

Most relevant for: Non-Hispanic Black and white women with breast cancer

The CARRIERS study looked at the rate of inherited mutations in women with and without breast cancer. In an extension of the CARRIERS study, researchers found no difference in the frequency of inherited mutations in breast cancer genes among Black and white women with breast cancer. A few individual genes differed in frequency: BRCA2 and PALB2 mutations were seen more often in Black women, while CHEK2 mutations were seen less often. Researchers concluded that race should not be used to determine who is referred for genetic testing. (posted 8/13/21)

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Study : Cancer risks of people with inherited PALB2 mutations

Most relevant for: people with inherited PALB2 mutations

In the largest study of people with inherited PALB2 mutations to date, the gene was linked to increased lifetime risk of breast cancer in women and men, ovarian and pancreatic cancer but not prostate or colorectal cancer. (posted 7/1/21)

Este artículo está disponible en español.